The government of Ghana through its social intervention policy guidelines established the disability fund which is 3% of the district common fund to support, protect and enhance the socio-economic lives of persons living with disabilities.
In view of this, the Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly on Thursday 28th December, 2023 at the forecourt of the Assembly presented to some twenty (20) registered People With Disabilities (PWDs) items which included ,deep freezers, sewing, popcorn and grinding machines, groceries among others as start-up capital.
Honourable Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga, Municipal Chief Executive, explained that, the Assembly has since 2019 presented start-up capital to PWDs in the enclave except 2021 when the COVID 19 pandemic hit the nation and the world in general.
According to the Municipal Chief Executive, so far, a total of two hundred and forty-five (245) out of seven hundred (700) registered and identified PWDs have benefited from the initiative including those on the health and education support schemes.
Hon Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga stressed that, the Assembly will be monitoring their activities closely, to make sure the items are put to use for their intended purposes and urged all unregistered PWDs to do so with the association so as to benefit from the initiative.
He further admonished all the beneficiaries and eligible Ghanaian voters to rally behind the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) administration and vote massively for Dr Mahammud Bawumia come 2024 general elections for continuous humanitarian and infrastructure development of the Municipality and the country as a whole.
Recounting from previous presentations according to Madam Mercy Amusah, Municipal Director of Social Welfare and Community Development, some of the beneficiaries sell their items to wholesalers, consume the returns and end up on the streets to beg again, Other care givers and guardians, take advantage of the PWDs entrusted in their care especially the blind and the underage, a situation she describes as unfortunate and warned that, the department will not take it kindly with such people henceforth and added that, the Assembly will not spare the rod and spoil those found culpable.
Also present at the short event were, Mr Emil Tawiah Atsu, Municipal Coordinating Director, Mrs Ansu Josephine, Municipal Finance Officer, Honourable Elvis Yeboah, Chairman of Disability Fund Management Committee, some Assemblymen, some staff of the Assembly, the public and the press.
Credit: Nana Kwasi Asare